First and foremost, we officially launched the national Forest Management standard – marking the end of 6 years of rigorous consultation with industry, environment, social stakeholders and Indigenous groups. The new standard addresses the most pressing issues facing Canadian forests now, including Woodland Caribou, Indigenous Peoples’ Rights, Workers’ Rights including Gender Equity, Landscape Management and Conservation. This new national framework provides proven procedures and protocols required to sustainably cultivate and care for our forests.
Second, we also launched a National Controlled Wood Risk Assessment. FSC Canada’s National Risk Assessment was developed after three years of rigorous consultation with industry, environment, social stakeholder and indigenous groups. The new risk assessment concludes safeguards related to Indigenous Peoples’ rights, species at risk such as woodland caribou and Intact Forest Landscapes which are required when sourcing from non-certified forests. This new national risk assessment concludes that safeguards are required to be demonstrated in order for specified risk areas to be considered acceptable for mixing into FSC-certified products. The National Risk Assessment provides consistent and credible application of FSC’s Controlled Wood standards and policies to prevent sourcing from unacceptable sources.
Since 1993, the Forest Stewardship Council has represented the mark of well-managed forestry in Canada and around the world. Through the adoption of its standards of responsible forest and supply chain management, we can continue offering businesses credible verification of sustainably produced timber and wood products, and helping consumers identify products from well-managed forests.
After many years of hard work, we were able to achieve breakthrough results. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members, certificate holders and stakeholders for their support and I extend my best wishes for a successful year in 2020.
- Francois Dufresne, President, FSC Canada